When factoring in the recent opening of the medical school and cancer research center, Clifton and Nutley are expected to recoup much of the estimated $15 million in property taxes lost when Hoffmann-La Roche left the site.

The region is also expected to gain thousands of jobs, outgoing city Councilman Steve Hatala said. Hatala lost in the recent council election, but for him, leaving with this accomplishment is gratifying.

"It was a good thing we didn't jump," Hatala said, referring to the fact that the city didn't succumb to the temptation to build retail space and housing.

Instead, Hatala said, officials remained adamant about keeping the site for scientific jobs.

State economic impact studies estimate that Quest will relocate some 754 jobs from its Teterboro location and provide New Jersey an additional 384 jobs.

Of those, 269 would be moved from Pennsylvania and Maryland, and 115 more would be created. The median wage of the jobs is expected to be $54,000.